I bought this EXACT model in 2001, and along with steaming, blanching, roasting, etc., it clearly advertises itself as a “deep fryer” of which it does an excellent job. The manual even includes full frying instructions!If Presto has decided to now say “don’t fry in this”, it is strictly a legal move. The problem is that Presto’s “fry daddy” line has no temperature control, and it’s preset low enough so that you can’t set any frying liquid on fire. But these also have no versatility.The multi-cooker can do so much more, because you can set the temperature from “warm” to 400 degrees. This is higher than the smoke point of some frying mediums (lard and shortening in particular) and therefore IF you don’t know the smoke point of what you’re using, you can get in trouble. This is probably why Presto’s lawyers decided to say it’s not a fryer anymore, although it clearly is. I, however, will happily continue to use my multi-cooker to make great fries, fried shrimp and chicken, donuts, etc. in addition to steaming and blanching vegetables, as well as braising. It’s the most versatile appliance I own!

I just got this today at Walmart for more than 1/3 off Amazon’s price and it says plain and clear that it IS for frying among other things..I tried it an the temp was accurate too. IT also has one of those new magnetic type cords for saftey and you can stick all of it (the pot and lid) in the dishwasher except the cord and thermostat thing. This is a great deal! IT does the job off a fryer, steamer and a crock pot and cost less than most of them do by themselves. I tried the steamer fuction too and it works great! I highly reccomend this, Try it , you won’t be dissapointed!

After using a heavy aluminum roasting pan and a Le Creuset french oven for our deep frying, I decided it was time to get a dedicated deep fryer. Only problem; so many reviewed as not reaching 400 degrees F. I finally opted for this model and am genuinely happy with this purchase.

I always use a (constantly tested) candy thermometer when deep frying, and have continued to do the same with this Presto multi cooker. It does take longer to heat up to 400 degrees – around 20 minutes minimum. But that gives me food prep time. Note this multi-cooker reads a bit over 400 on my tested thermometer (and I’ve never let it sit without placing food in it at that temp, so it might go higher; use caution, don’t assume it’s stopping at 400 degrees). One other note of caution, at 400, the temperature dial gets extremely hot – it now has heat blisters on it – not from oil spatter. I do sugar sculpting, and my fingers are used to heat, but I still have to use a hot pad on the dial to turn this off if it’s been on a while at 400 degrees.

I typically fry onion rings, fries, okra, chicken, fish, zucchini, mushrooms, ice cream, zeppole, cauliflower, the kitchen sink (gotcha!) lower than 400 (360 to 375), but I must have 400 for sopapillas. For those that test their fryer, please understand in any type of cooking pot the oil temp will drop when food goes in – and your temps vary depending on the location of the thermometer (top or bottom readings). My thick-walled aluminum roasting pan and cast iron pot drop 10 – 40 degrees depending on how much is put in, whether it’s breaded, etc. The Presto will also loose heat. This is why you fry small batches, and allow the heat of the oil to recover. Cast iron tends to hold heat better, but it’ll still drop in temp. Cast iron is also heavy (mine is 10 lbs.) which is why it’s not a preferred method for me – too much of a hassle to handle and wash. My heavy aluminum roasting pan has thicker walls than the Presto, thus a thicker lip, so I spill oil everywhere when emptying for straining/storage. Again, not a preferred method due to waste. I typically fry enough for 2 to 4 people, but do so in batches, same as with both my other pots.Hint: Use a thermometer, set the dial for 400 even if you’re frying food at a lower temp. The oil comes back up to temp more quickly at the highest dial setting.

I like the magnetically attached heat control – it can be pulled off in an emergency. I reached a dangerous smoke point in my cast iron Creuset when I left the stovetop dial set too high – moving the pot with smoking oil was not a risk I’d take.

The steamer basket is just that – a steamer basket, despite what the instructions say. Purchase a separate 8″ diameter wire mesh fry basket if you want it for your fries and any un-battered items. I use the WMF Profi Plus Large 13-1/2-Inch Wok Strainer for battered food and sopapillas.

Rice is lovely to make in this cooker and so easy – up to about 7 cups of white rice at once.

The steamer basket leaves a bit to be desired regarding sturdiness but thus far I’ve had zero problems with it. Remember to remove the handle when steaming. Use tongs to attach the uppermost hook of the basket to the (hot) rim of the Presto. The lid won’t sit completely into the cooker with the steamer basket attached, but the little bit of escaping steam won’t affect steaming, and having a glass lid to check on status is a bonus. The hooks on the basket are riveted, so I don’t load it heavily. Asparagus, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, zucchini, carrots, corn and summer squash are a breeze to steam now.

Ironically this was purchased as a deep fryer, but we’re eating far more steamed foods now that we have such an easy steaming method!

One star deducted for the legs and handle. I don’t mind screwing them on myself the first time. But they will come loose eventually, again and again. I tried stainless steel (non rusting) split ring lock washers but still had problems with them coming loose. I then purchased 7/8″ diameter neoprene washers that fit, which solved the problem : ) Why aren’t these included after the loose legs/handles problem were first reported? Also, the cord is extremely short; about 2 ½ feet from the plug to the magnetic coupler.

I don’t use this for slow cooking soups or beans, or blanching vegetables so I cannot comment on that aspect. The manual comes with braising, blanching, simmering, rice cooking, steaming, and frying instructions and times for a variety of foods, although your preferences may vary.

Lastly, I do wash this by hand though it’s rated dishwasher safe. All our Teflon coated cookware is washed by hand to prevent corrosion/flaking.